EIU Office of International Students and Scholars

Process to Receive a Visa

On behalf of the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), we would like to congratulate you on your acceptance to Eastern Illinois University (EIU)! We are very excited to welcome you to EIU and Charleston, Illinois, and we hope you will join us in the many activities that OISS is planning for you.

Now that you have been admitted, we are encouraging you to apply for your student visa. Complete the online version of the DS-160 form (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) for your F-1 student visa at this United States Department of State Electronic Application Center web page.

• You may find the closest United States Consulate or Embassy to you at this United States Embassy web page.
• Book your visa interview appointment using http://www.ustraveldocs.com/.

You may also be required to upload the following documents:

1. Passport Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements at this U.S. Department of State web page.
2. Copy of the biography page of your passport
3. Visa application fee with your I-20 form or DS-2019 form
4. Acceptance letter from Eastern Illinois University

According to the US Department of State, additional documentation may be required. A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of:

1. Your academic preparation, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
2. Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study
3. How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

Please also be prepared to sufficiently demonstrate to the consular officer that you qualify for the Nonimmigrant F-1 student visa category you applied for by overcoming the presumption of immigrant intent, required by law. This is done by sufficiently demonstrating that you have strong ties to your home country that will compel you to leave the United States at the end of your studies. The following are considered strong ties to a visa applicant's home country under the Immigration and Naturalization Act:

1. Having a professional job in your home country
2. Owning a home
3. Strong relationships with family and friends

Feel free to contact us anytime if you have additional questions in regards to this matter.

Note:

• If you have already received your I-20, please make sure to pay the SEVIS fee at this United States Department of Homeland Security web page.

Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS)